Installations, catalogue and special effects: Como readies major Turner

Distributed Turner exhibition opens in Como on 29 May

Como will host a distributed exhibition devoted to William Turner, running from 29 May to 27 September. The event spans three city venues — the Broletto, the Pinacoteca civica and San Pietro in Atrio — each featuring tailored displays and interventions.

Organisation and resources

The Municipality has assigned contracts for installation, catalogue production, press office and technical support. The total budget is around €700,000. Tate Britain collaborates on the project, providing the scientific concept, loans, multimedia content and logistical supervision.

Main suppliers and tasks

• General installation: Gigi Events – approx. €167,140; includes museum design and coordination of lighting and multimedia systems.
• Press office: CLP (Milan) – €66,490.
• Catalogue: Moebius srl – €23,712.
• Special installation at San Pietro in Atrio: Graficakreativa srl – €29,561; adaptation of Jim Lambie’s rainbow work «Zobop» to the venue.
• Climate control: rental of humidifiers/dehumidifiers from Condair – €5,355 (supply scheduled 15 May–28 September) to stabilise humidity in the temporary exhibition rooms at the Pinacoteca.

Exhibition content

The programme juxtaposes early-19th-century sketches and watercolours by Turner inspired by Lake Como — displayed at the Broletto with an immersive component — with Italian-themed paintings at the Pinacoteca and contemporary works at San Pietro in Atrio, including pieces by Turner Prize winner Jim Lambie and sculptures by David Batchelor.

What visitors can expect

The show combines historical artworks with contemporary installations and multimedia features, with careful attention to conservation and logistics. The opening date is 29 May and the exhibition runs until 27 September, offering a cross-venue cultural itinerary developed in partnership with an important international museum.